Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my once timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and immense enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more daunting parts of starting university, and if you’re a potential student reading this, it might be one of your major worries. On the first day of moving into my residence, a few days before the term started, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, today I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with a bit of casual conversation with others in similar positions. So, what lesson did I derive? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a leap at the onset of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, fret not! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, simply be yourself. With such a diverse crowd across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into this environment isn’t always easy for one’s confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one of which was the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you’re struggling to understand something, I can nearly guarantee others are as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This may be the single most crucial lesson learned in the first year. Reach out to your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They desire your success and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They relate to our experiences and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps initially; I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it is among the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the assistance offered. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often groundless and can be eased with the various support options accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I am never alone and taught me how to enjoy myself despite pressures like examinations and deadlines.